Last Updated on March 24, 2026
A Secret Worth Finding in North London
There’s a particular thrill in stumbling upon a newly opened restaurant, especially one as discreetly enchanting as this North London newcomer. It is surprisingly easy to miss, and we walked past it twice, so keep your eyes peeled. Hidden behind the stylish façade of Sawyer & Gray, a cool coffee bar by day, the space undergoes a quiet metamorphosis after dark, revealing the warmly lit and subtly seductive world of Oui Madame. It is the latest culinary adventure from Martin Lange, the talent behind neighbourhood favourite Salut!, and it already feels like one of those rare finds you want to tell everyone about, yet secretly keep to yourself.
Venture inside and you quickly realise you have stumbled upon something special. Spread over two floors, the vibe is laid-back and unhurried, with a Buddha-Bar soundtrack that makes you feel like castaways who’ve stumbled upon the perfect island hideaway. Raw wood tables and white-painted floors set the tone for a chic French-Asian beach-house aesthetic, complete with oversized wicker shades and an eclectic mix of contemporary prints. It is exactly the kind of place you want to slip into on a cold winter’s evening, where the cosy food and cocooning atmosphere work their quiet magic.
We were looked after throughout by Connor, who struck the perfect balance of knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming. Attentive without hovering, he guided us through the menu with an easy confidence and a warmth that elevated the whole experience.
But first things first. In my case, that meant a Negroni. Here it is mixed with classic finesse, perfectly balanced, smooth and with just the right hit of bitterness to settle into the evening. My companion turned to the wine list and chose a glass of Les Compagnons 2023 from Domaine du Changeon in Bourgueil. This bright and elegant Cabernet Franc, with cherry and gentle herbal notes, matched the relaxed mood of the room perfectly.
The kitchen at Oui Madame is led by Canadian-born Jacob Buckley, whose modern European cooking with French-Asian influences brims with promise and creativity. The menu is divided into snacks, small plates, large plates and sides. From the snacks, we began with the savoury choux. Light, airy, creamy and deeply cheesy, they were utterly irresistible.
With the small plates, I moved to a glass of Bourgogne Blanc 2023 from Giraudon in Chitry, a Chardonnay with bright peachy notes and refreshing acidity. Across the table, my companion enjoyed a Primitivo “Acanto” 2022 from Ionis in Puglia, earthy, rich, and very well suited to the dishes ahead.
Connor recommended the burnt carrots, beautifully presented in a rainbow of colours, firm yet tender, full of texture and surprisingly delicious.
The beef tartare arrived looking superb, with gochujang giving a warm kick to the pear, sesame oil and pine nuts. It was crowned with a gleaming egg yolk and served over sushi rice, fresh and silky and beautifully balanced by the gentle softness of the grains.
The pork shoulder skewers, glazed with gochujang and served with a sesame and red pepper cheese sauce, were equally impressive. Pressed in a taco iron, they appeared as tangy, slightly sweet cubes with a gentle heat, playful and deeply satisfying.
From the large plates menu at Oui Madame came a spectacular rack of lamb, beautifully fresh, blushing pink, perfectly tender and glossed with a herb marinade and natural jus. The portion was anything but modest.
The braised pig cheek was just as memorable. Meltingly soft and served with sage polenta, crunchy nuggets of corn and wilted Swiss chard, it was completed by a deeply rich winter jus. Hearty, full-flavoured and an excellent interplay of textures. On the side, the écrasé potatoes were a joy, crisp little bites lifted with gremolata and an umami-rich mayo.
To accompany the mains, I chose a softly blushed Monastrell Rosado 2018 from Casa Los Frailes in Valencia, subtly spiced and beautifully rounded. My friend opted for a full-bodied Haut-Médoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with dark cedar notes and a rich, generous bouquet.
For dessert, a mille-feuille as pretty as a picture. Crisp, light layers with fresh raspberries, coulis and a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. Not too sweet and beautifully composed.
Alongside it came a plate of fine cheeses: Délice de Bourgogne, Comté and Bleu de Basque, served with fig and onion chutney and crisp crostini. A wonderful end to a fantastic meal at Oui Madame
Oui Madame is the kind of place you want to escape to on a cold winter’s evening. Cosy, soulful and full of surprises. With its generous cooking, easy charm and quietly confident flair, it more than earns its place among North London’s best-kept secrets.
Oui Madame is an evenings-only restaurant, typically open Tuesday to Saturday from around 6 pm to 11 pm, so it is worth checking the website or booking page before you go.
Address: Oui Madame, 290 St Paul’s Road, Highbury, London N1 2LH
Telephone: (+44) 07539 662010
Looking for something different? For North London fish lovers, we recommend Prawn on the Lawn
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